What we learn about the world is colored by the way we approach it.

Insight knowledge comes from direct experience, not from intellectual understanding.

The nature of mind is like a mirror. It is not affected by whatever appears in it, yet it never fails to reflect everything perfectly.

Through violence, you may solve one problem, but you sow the seeds for another.

The goal of meditation is not to reach some highest place, but to remain in the place where you already are.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

Wisdom is not something we have to strive to acquire. Rather, wisdom arises naturally as we open our hearts to the truth of what is.

Faith is the firm foundation, diligence the supporting pillar, and wisdom the roof of the house of practice.

Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.

The true path is not difficult; just avoid picking and choosing.

Real happiness lies within. It cannot be found in external objects or achievements.

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

In the monastery of your body, the monk of your mind must stay in retreat.

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

The true mark of a spiritual practitioner is that your own behavior is better, not that you can criticize others well.

The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances.

The affairs of the world will go on forever. Do not delay the practice of meditation.

The snow lion stays in the mountains, and the snow lion's ways are the snow lion's ways.

Without darkness, there is no light. Without the path, there is no arrival.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.

When we recognize that our thoughts are just thoughts, we can choose whether or not to follow them.

The path to enlightenment is not a path at all. It is a realization that where you are is where you have always been.

Zen proposes its solution by directly appealing to facts of personal experience and not to book-knowledge.

Start from where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

When you recognize that pain and suffering are impermanent, you become free.

Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.

Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.

Life is like a cup of tea. It's all in how you make it.

When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help.

Right practice is steady practice. Whether you feel lazy or diligent, just keep practicing.

Through continuous mindfulness practice, the true nature of physical and mental phenomena becomes clear.

The mind of the beginner is empty, free of the habits of the expert, ready to accept, to doubt, and open to all the possibilities.